How Kerala’s Unique Duck Farming Practice Is Keeping Rice Fields Healthy—Naturally

In the fertile plains of Kerala, where rice paddies stretch between a network of canals and backwaters, a unique form of farming has flourished for generations. In this tradition, ducks are not just livestock but important partners in agriculture.  After the paddy harvest, farmers release flocks into the flooded fields. The birds feed on leftover grains, weeds, and insects, thereby naturally cleaning the fields and providing organic fertiliser through their droppings.  Their movement through the water also helps aerate the soil, reducing the need for chemical inputs. This harmonious system,...